Egyptian children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss candidates for cochlear implant: Is MRI evaluation necessary?

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluating the value of MRI for assessing congenital anomalies of the inner ear in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) before cochlear implantation. Patients and methods: This study included 56 children, suffering from severe to profound bilateral congenital SNHL. All included patients were potential candidates for cochlear implants. All patients were evaluated by MRI of the temporal bone. Results: This study detected abnormalities in 27 (24.11%) ears out of 112 ears. We detected dilated vestibular aqueduct in 12/27 (44.44%) of abnormal ears, incomplete partition type-II in 8/27 (29.63%) of abnormal ears, cochlear hypoplasia in 8/27 (29.63%) of abnormal ears, semicircular canals hypoplasia in 2/27 (7.41%) of abnormal ears, Michel deformity in 2/27 (7.41%) of abnormal ears, common cavity deformity in 2/27 (7.41%) of abnormal ears and cochlear aplasia in 1/27 (3.7%) of abnormal ears. Conclusion: MRI is a valuable tool in the evaluation of inner ear abnormalities in children with congenital SNHL. It allows for the detection of aplasia of the cochlea or the cochlear nerve which represent absolute contraindications to a cochlear implant surgery. Keywords: Congenital sensorineural hearing loss, Inner ear malformations, Cochlear implants, MRI of the temporal bone